Preview screen is black in new and previous compositions

[sparklemax]

Am I doing something wrong? When using After Effects my preview screen remains black when I try to create a new compostition or even open a previous one. I have updated to the latest version and reset my preferences but neither fixes the problem. Caps lock is off. I have searched the discussions but none of the suggestions seem to work. 

I use a PC:

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700 CPU @ 3.40GHz 3.41 GHz

RM 16.0 GB (15.9 GB usable)

System 64-bit operating system, x64-based processorr

AMD Redeon R5 330

Intel(R) HD Graphics 530

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[thepixelsmith]

You may be zoomed into a area of the composition that your art work isn't in?

Try the "Fit up to..." command: Option – / (Mac) or Alt – / (Windows) or use the Zoom menu at the lower left of the comp panel.

[sparklemax]

Thank you, I've tried that but it doesn't make any difference I'm afraid.

[thepixelsmith]

Any nothing appears on any point on the timeline when you move the playhead? Not just in the beginning?

[sparklemax]

That's right, it remains black throughout. I have tried opening older projects that used to work and the same thing happens - black screen. Audio does work throughout though. 

I'm wondering if the newer versions of After Effects have outgrown my PC which is about 4 years old now.

[thepixelsmith]

Have you tried making a project from scratch and see it simple things like shapes or images will display?

[thepixelsmith]

Have to tried to manually zoom out using the comma key?

[thepixelsmith]

In the Preview panel. Is it set to display the video and audio on the timeline?

[sparklemax]

Hi, thanks for all of your suggestions. Yes, I have video and audio switched on.

[thepixelsmith]

I'm sorry, I don't know.

Those would be my initial ideas.

If it is your video card, you could try switching to the "Mercury Software Only" rendering.

File > Project Settings > Video Rendering and Effects

[sparklemax]

Turns out I was already on Mercury Software Only. Thank you very much for all of your suggestions.

[nishu_kush]

Hi sparklemax,

Sorry for your issue.

Is you GPU driver updated? What happens if you go to After Effects Preferences > Display > uncheck "Hardware Accelerated Composition, Layer, and Footage Panels".

Let us know.

Thanks,

Nishu

[sparklemax]

Hi, I contacted Adobe and they suggested reverting to a slightly older version, 18.0, which has worked.

Thanks for the help though.